Boy, 5, dragged by car across parking lot

Police say weather hindered investigation

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A 5-year-old boy is clinging to life after being hit by a slow-moving car at a Regency apartment complex Saturday night.

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office traffic homicide investigators who responded to the Canopy Apartments on Monument Road around 9:30 p.m. said the car dragged Jenoa Alford across eight parking spaces, all while his mother, Kentaura Richardson, watched helplessly.

"To see the images I still have in my head to what I see now, it's the scariest thing for a mother but it's the happiest day now cause he's able to talk to us," Richardson said.

Jenoa was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and remained in critical condition Monday.

Tuesday his parents said even though they are seeing signs of improvement, their son isn't in the clear yet. Talking has been the biggest sign his parents have seen in the past few days. He is also starting to recognize familiar faces in the hospital room.

"I asked him who I was, he said dad, asked who his mom was, he said mommy," said Jenoa's father, Bill Alford, who's a defensive back for the Jacksonville Sharks. "Both grandmothers, his friends, some of my teammates from the Sharks."

Alford said the support their family has received from friends, family and his teammates is heartwarming during this difficult time.

"Bernard Morris, the quarterback, said today he misses seeing him running around the field," Alford said. "The people at Timed Exercise, where I also work, they say they miss hearing his laughter and everything."

Detectives said rain delayed their investigation, literally washing away some of the evidence.

According to the traffic crash report, neither alcohol or speed played a factor in the crash. Police have not identified the driver or said if any charges will be filed.

The crash remains under investigation.

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